Jesus admonished His followers to be “in the world, but not of the world”. An insightful recognition of the reality that as believers we are living with people who do not yet share an allegiance to God. Sometimes there is a temptation to expect too much of unregenerated and lost people- in other words to be “judgmental”. The apostle Paul reminded us as Christians that’s out of bounds. We are limited to judging (not necessarily condemning) only those who claim to be “in the faith” (church), who are living contrary to Christ and remain unrepentant. He says… put them out!
I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges. Remove the wicked man from among yourselves. 1 Corinthians 5: 9-13 NASB
How is my attitude toward lost people? How has God prepared me to demonstrate grace when needed and discipline as well within the church?
God, as this day begins- I thank You for the grace You have afforded me and that those in the faith were patient with me as I was “coming to faith”. They resisted judgment and offered kindness without compromising their own God honoring values. What an attractive combination. May I be one who helps others find their way to You. As for those claiming to be in the faith but deceiving others and themselves, I pray for wisdom and discernment in dealing with them. Thankfully, no one comes to mind in this category.
